Attack on Benzoyl Peroxide?

For several years people have been bashing the use of Benzoyl Peroxide. Since I LOVE benzoyl peroxide for clearing my Acne clients, thought I would post this rebuttal to all the concerns about it. This was written very eloquently by another friend and Acne Specialist, Nondy Llewellyn.

I have read recently, and have attended lectures where benzoyl peroxide is discouraged from use. It is alleged that BPO is detrimental to the skin. It is said that it thins the skin. It dries out the skin. It compromises the barrier function of the skin. It makes the skin photosensitive. It can make your Langerhan Cells go dormant. Let us all remember that ACNE is what it is used for in esthetics. So what is the TRUTH? Part of the truth is that those discouraging its use have an agenda that has nothing to do with YOU, the consumer. Their agenda is all about selling their touted acne product. By discouraging the use of BPO, they can then come in and save you with their acne product. Please keep in mind why we use BPO. It is for acne sufferers. And here is a newsflash for you. It is SUPPOSED to dry out the skin of an acne sufferer. It is SUPPOSED to increase the turnover rate of epithelial cells, thereby peeling the skin and promoting the resolution of comedones in an acne sufferer.
I believe it is unethical to frighten consumers from using a product or ingredient unless there is a credible scientific reason to support such a claim. Some claims use studies whereby a 40-50% solution of the ingredient is used on mice ears or cheeks. No one uses a concentration that high for acne. Water is a life-sustaining substance, but too much water can kill you. Please keep in mind BPO is not used on normal skin. It is used for a reason. Acne. It is used for a season. While one suffers from acne.
While we wait for new and wonderful discoveries derived from microbiome and epigenetics studies, lets cease from discouraging consumers from using a perfectly effective, readily available, (and affordable for almost anyone!) helper in the war against acne. In a proper, non-comedogenic formulation, and a properly designed acne regimen, BPO plays a part in clearing acne vulgaris. And that’s the KEY! Properly Designed. A well-trained esthetician, who has certification in caring for the health and beauty of acne sufferers designs the acne regimen. The acne sufferer is also using antioxidants, proper acne-safe moisturizing agents and the correct sunscreen. ALL while getting the skin clear. As a well-trained acne esthetician, I know how to teach my clients how to use BPO as ONE component of an effective acne regimen, to mitigate every one of those supposed bad issues BPO is accused. If we were in a court of law, I would defend my client, in this case, BPO, and the jury would have to find my client innocent of all charges
.When we understand that acne includes symptomatic discomfort, scarring, emotional and psychosocial self-isolation, workplace embarrassment, and potential psychiatric disturbances including depression and suicide, we need to really think about how we, as estheticians can help those who suffer. We have a unique opportunity to help those who suffer from acne. Let us do so with compassion, thoughtfulness, and knowledge.

Please do not stop using BPO for help with your Acne. It WORKS. Amen.

Contact me for your Acne concerns for an Acne Consultation at BookNow. One click and you are on your way to clear skin.

"My son struggled with severe acne. NOTHING worked. We took him to see Robyn and she cleared him up in a couple of months. We are so fortunate to have found her. She knows her stuff. Results are amazing!" ~ Evelyn